self-guided walking in sintra, portugal · return ticket for bus line 435 (about 2.50 euros) and...
TRANSCRIPT
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Why book this trip?Why book this trip?
A diverse walking holiday exploring UNESCO heritage landmarks in the Sintra Hills and time on coastal
trails. Most of the walks are designed to take in the monuments in the morning, when it is still quiet then
spend the afternoons walking on dirt trails, woodland tracks and trails with coastal views.
Castle of the Moors and Pena Palace - UNESCO heritage landmarks in the Sintra Hills
Sintra National Palace - Considered the finest example of Portuguese romanticism
Cabo da Roca - The westernmost point of the European continent
Self-Guided Walking in Sintra,Self-Guided Walking in Sintra,PortugalPortugalPORTUGAL PORTUGAL - TRIP CODE - TRIP CODE WSPSWSPS
WALKING AND TREKKING
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ItineraryItinerary
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Your accommodation for the first four nights of this trip is in Sintra. The picturesque Portuguese town is
set amidst the pine-covered hills of the Serra de Sintra, where kings and noblemen built extravagant
summer palaces during the 18th and 19th centuries.
We are able to provide private transfers from Lisbon airport (LIS) at an additional cost. Please contact
our self-guided trip for further information.
A C C O M M O D AT I O N :
Hotel Nova Sintra (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel
SI N G L E R O O M AVA I L A B L E
M E A L S PR O V I D E D : N O N E
I N C L U D E DM E A L S
Breakfast: 7
T R I P STA F F
NoneT R A N SPO R T
On FootPublic Bus
A C C O M M O D AT I O N
7 nightscomfortable hotel
W A L KI N GG R A D E :
Moderate
DAY 1DAY 1 - Trip starts in Sintra - Trip starts in Sintra
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Today you take in the three most prominent monuments of Sintra: Castle of the Moors, Pena Palace and
the Sintra National Palace. You start with a steep ascent to the Moorish castle and the colourful dream
palace of King Ferdinand, followed by a walk in the vast palace grounds and finally a steep descent via
Vila Sasseti to the town centre of Sintra, where the National Palace stands.
Today's 9 km walk is expected to take approximately 4 hours and you will ascend and descend 535m.
A C C O M M O D AT I O N :
Hotel Nova Sintra (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel
SI N G L E R O O M AVA I L A B L E
M E A L S PR O V I D E D : B R E A KFA ST
Today you leave the crowds behind and take an included taxi to the Convent of the Capuchos, a classic
16th-century Franciscan monastery which you can visit before starting your walk. Your walking route
leads you through mystical Mediterranean woodlands past hillside menhirs (standing stones) and the
shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary of Peninha. Then you descend to Azoia and take the bus back to
Sintra.
Today's 11km walk is expected to take approximately 5 hours and you will ascend 400m and descend
500m.
A C C O M M O D AT I O N :
Hotel Nova Sintra (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel
SI N G L E R O O M AVA I L A B L E
DAY 2DAY 2 - Walk to and around Castle of the Moors, Pena Palace and Sintra National Palace - Walk to and around Castle of the Moors, Pena Palace and Sintra National Palace
DAY 3DAY 3 - Walk in the mystical forest of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park - Walk in the mystical forest of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
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M E A L S PR O V I D E D : B R E A KFA ST
Within a few square kilometres you will find extravagant palaces and mansions built by nobles and
wealthy merchants, most of which are still occupied or in use as luxury hotels. Today you can buy a
return ticket for bus Line 435 (about 2.50 euros) and begin with a short ride to Quinta da Regaleira; a
slightly sinister palace from the early 20th century, built by an eccentric Brazilian coffee farmer and
Freemason who constructed spectacular initiation wells seven storeys underground connecting them to
the palace via tunnels. Then walk to Seteais Palace; this neoclassical palace was built for a Dutch Consul
in the late 18th century. Now a hotel, the gardens are open to visitors. Then you walk along the road
(1km) and hike through the forest to reach Montserrat Palace; a Romantic building with Indian and
Arabic influences, built by a Portuguese-English Viscount and industrial magnate. When you have
finished sightseeing take the bus back to Sintra.
Today's walk is expected to be between 2 and 5km.
A C C O M M O D AT I O N :
Hotel Nova Sintra (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel
SI N G L E R O O M AVA I L A B L E
M E A L S PR O V I D E D : B R E A KFA ST
Today you leave the wealth and romance of Sintra behind as you walk north through fields, vineyards and
pine forests toward the rugged coast. In the pretty fishing village of Azenha do Mar, you pick up the GR-
11 and follow it south along the coast to Praia Grande and your hotel for the next two nights.
Today's 15km walk is expected to take approximately 4.5 hours and you will ascend 150m and descend
150m. It can be shortened by taking the tram to Azenha (runs Thursday to Sunday) and walk just the last
few kilometres.
A C C O M M O D AT I O N :
Arribas Sintra Hotel (or similar)
DAY 4DAY 4 - Bus and walk to Quinta da Regaleira and Montserrat Palace - Bus and walk to Quinta da Regaleira and Montserrat Palace
DAY 5DAY 5 - Walk through fields, vineyards and forest to the Atlantic Coast - Walk through fields, vineyards and forest to the Atlantic Coast
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Grade: Comfortable Hotel
SI N G L E R O O M AVA I L A B L E
M E A L S PR O V I D E D : B R E A KFA ST
Today you can choose to relax on one of the beautiful nearby beaches or go for a walk. If you decide to
walk, from your hotel you pick up the long distance walking path the GR-11 which follows the Atlantic
coast, going south along fishermen's trails to reach the village of Ulgueira. There you can decide to walk
to Cabo de Roca, the westernmost point of the European continent there-and-back or loop back to Praia
Grande via a different route. Along the way you pass a few small bars and the village of Ulgueira.
Today's 12km walk is expected to take approximately 4 to 5 hours and you will ascend 575m and descend
575m.
A C C O M M O D AT I O N :
Arribas Sintra Hotel (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel
SI N G L E R O O M AVA I L A B L E
M E A L S PR O V I D E D : B R E A KFA ST
Your last day of walking begins with an included taxi to Azoia, where you pick up the GR-11 and follow it
along the coast to the 17th-century fortress of Fortaleza de Guincho, now a luxury hotel with views over
Praia do Guincho. You can stop off part-way to take the bus directly to the popular fishing town of
Cascais where you spend the night or walk an additional 9.5km all the way to your hotel on a footpath
between the road and beach.
Today's 17km walk is expected to take approximately 6 hours and you will ascend 350m and descend
435m. This walk can be shortened to 10.5km taking approximately 3 hours.
DAY 6DAY 6 - Rest day or walk to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of the European continent - Rest day or walk to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of the European continent
DAY 7DAY 7 - Taxi to Azoia then Coastal walk from Guinchos to Cascais - Taxi to Azoia then Coastal walk from Guinchos to Cascais
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A C C O M M O D AT I O N :
Hotel Baia (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel
SI N G L E R O O M AVA I L A B L E
M E A L S PR O V I D E D : B R E A KFA ST
After breakfast, the organised part of your holiday comes to an end.
We are able to provide private transfers to Lisbon airport (LIS) at an additional cost. Please contact our
self-guided trip for further information.
M E A L S PR O V I D E D : B R E A KFA ST
Trip informationTrip information
Portugal
Climate
Overall, spring, early summer and autumn are ideal times for a trip to Portugal - though the weather
varies enormously from region to region. The northern high plains has both extremes, stiflingly hot in
summer, bitterly cold and swept by freezing winds in winter. The Atlantic coast, in contrast, has a
tendency to damp and mist, and a relatively brief, humid summer. The Mediterranean south is warm
virtually all year round. The islands have very different weather patterns due to their positioning and
can have sudden rain falls throughout the year so waterproofs are recommended even in the summer.
Time difference to GMT
0
Plugs
2 Pin Round
Religion
Roman Catholic
Language
Portuguese
DAY 8DAY 8 - Trip ends in Cascais - Trip ends in Cascais
Country informationCountry information
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Optional activities
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated
costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may
depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were
originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities
are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.
The entrance fees for the monuments vary from €7 to €14 per site. Combination tickets are available
offering a discounted rates for visiting multiple sites.
Clothing
Light rainwear may be needed at any time of year, and a warm fleece/jacket is recommended for cooler
evenings and nights early and late in the season.
Footwear
Well worn, sturdy walking boots with good ankle support are essential for the walks. Sandals and trainers
are recommended for relaxing in the evenings.
Luggage: On tour
Bring one main piece of baggage as per your airline luggage allowance, maximum 20 kg per person.
Remember you may need to carry your luggage at times so don't overload yourself. Luggage transfers
between hotels are normally arranged by the hoteliers. Mark your bags clearly and leave them at the
place and time arranged with them. When travelling on public transport / a ferry you should always take
your luggage with you.
Luggage transfer
Included between each hotel.
Equipment
A water bottle, sunhat and sunscreen are all essential and you may wish to bring a light torch. Walking
poles recommended.
Maps - Along with the destination manual and route notes you will be sent a set of maps that have been
created specifically for this trip to help you navigate. The route is marked on each map together with a
series of numbered waypoints which correspond with instructions in the route notes. Should you wish to
purchase a more detailed commercially produced map we recommend the following:-
General Map
Grupo Anaya, Portugal, Madeira y Azores, 1:340.000 (2008)
Budgeting and packingBudgeting and packing
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Tipping
Local fees
There are no local fees on this holiday.
Portugal
Food and drink
The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses
eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track
may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may
charge more.
Dinner price
£18
Beer price
£2.00 - 3.00 depending on your location, well touristed areas are usually slightly more
expensive.
Water price
£1.4
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euro.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Take the majority of your spending money in Euros cash.
Where To Exchange
We recommend that you change any currency into Euros prior to arrival. Bureau de Change are
generally only found in major cities and large airports.
ATM Availability
Cash-point machines are available in all major towns. Bankcards with the Cirrus logo are
accepted.
Credit Card Acceptance
Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted in larger restaurants and some shops.
Travellers Cheques
Travellers cheques can be exchanged in all major towns but are not recommended due to the
high rate of commission.
Transport Information
On Foot, Public Bus
Transport, Accommodation & MealsTransport, Accommodation & Meals
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Recommended airport
Lisbon Airport (LIS).
Flying to your destination
We'd recommend flying into and out of Lisbon Airport (LIS). Lisbon is served by budget (including Easyjet
and Ryanair) and scheduled airlines (including British Airways and TAP) from UK airports.
Arrival and departure information
For this trip you can fly into and back from Lisbon Airport (LIS).
From Lisbon Airport, you take the shuttle to Rossio train station (€3.50, every half an hour, travel time
approximately 20 minutes).
Then you continue by train for another 40 minutes (departures every fifteen minutes, €2.20). Timetable
information can be found on the website of Comboios de Portugal
https://www.cp.pttaticFiles/CP/PDF/Passageiros/Horarios/lx/resumo_azambuja_sintra.pdf
At the end of the tour, you take the train from Cascais to Lisbon 'Cais do Sodre' station (departures every
fifteen minutes, €2.20). There you get on the bus (line 1) to the airport (approx €6).
Government Travel Safety Advice
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information
and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and
customs. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice click here.
For more information from Explore about travel advice, click here
Under 18 immigration guidance
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under
18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if
this applies to your party.
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the
circumstances. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing
information.Booking Conditions
Visa and Passport Information
Portugal: Visas are not required by UK, E.U nationals, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian
citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant
Essential InformationEssential Information
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Embassy prior to departure.
If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's
recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa
application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa
through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa
applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity
for your chosen destination.
Booking conditions
Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and
Booking Conditions.
Transfers
Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.
Booking a land only package with Explore
Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you
have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements.
Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information.
You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Joining Tour Abroad
Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will now receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive
and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged
from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the
ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have
selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the
joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.
The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at
the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Self-Guided, Polar, Tailormade or Tours for Churches customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the
joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at
an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.
For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
Insurance
It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your
responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full
terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you
intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully
cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your
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policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the
entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper
altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will
exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an
additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full
amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and
repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the
United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.
Flight information
Explore offers a wide range of flexible flying options to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read
more about them here.
Flight Information
You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive
package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK
allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our
dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display a UK flight inclusive package guide price which is generally based on a London
departure. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend
booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
Portugal
Vaccinations
Nothing compulsory but Tetanus is usually recommended as a precaution. Please check the latest
requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list.
Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS
and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and
vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Walking and Trekking informationWalking and Trekking information
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WSPS Distance Chart
Walking grade
Moderate
Trek details
On this journey you walk 74.5km over 6 days (an average of 12.5km a day). Walking routes are
generally 4 to 5 hours with one long walk of 6 hours on day 7 with a maximum ascent of 575m on
one day. We have graded this trip as moderate.
Additional InformationAdditional Information
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ReviewsReviews
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